University of Twente Student Theses
Exploring the Digital Divide for People with Serious Mental Illness : A Scoping Review
Schneider, L. (2024) Exploring the Digital Divide for People with Serious Mental Illness : A Scoping Review.
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| Abstract: | Background: Among people with Serious Mental Illness (SMI), the digital divide can lead to in- creased social isolation and reduced access to healthcare services. Although digital technology in mental healthcare services, known as Telemental Health (TMH), has been introduced years ago, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has dramatically boosted its applications. As soci- ety continues to digitalise, ensuring access to digital resources is crucial for addressing social and health inequalities, particularly among vulnerable populations like those with SMI. Objectives: The general aim of this scoping review was to understand the extent of digital exclusion and the underlying barriers to digital inclusion among individuals with SMI. Method: The methodology of a scoping review was chosen. An exhaustive literature search of the databases PubMed, PsychInfo, Scopus and Web of Science was conducted and identified 16 studies. A thematic analysis was done in order to synthesise and develop patterns within the findings. Results: The most prominent underlying barrier to digital inclusion reported by all included studies was a lack of digital literacy. Further barriers were physical access, financial constraints, mental health-re- lated difficulties, indifference to, mistrust and anxiety towards the use of technology. Conclu- sion: Despite increased access to digital technology, barriers to digital inclusion among people with SMI remain, particularly in digital literacy. The findings highlight the need for targeted in- terventions, such as comprehensive digital literacy training and supportive measures, to enhance digital inclusion. Future research should focus on the impact of digital exclusion on mental health and the effectiveness of tailored digital inclusion programs. Keywords: digital divide, digital exclusion, serious mental illness, scoping review |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/99921 |
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